In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia. His tale is told by Andrew McConville, from State Library Victoria. There are almost 280 stories in the In Black and White show, and they're all available for free in this podcast feed. As we say goodbye after five ears unearthing colourful stories from our past, we would like to sincerely thank our listeners for tuning in and sharing your ratings and reviews. Tune in to the final episode for some final thank you and a farewell message from the host, Jen Kelly. Like the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

In the very last of our great history stories, we turn to Harry Houdini, one of the great magicians in history, and his time in Australia. His tale is told by Andrew McConville, from State Library Victoria. There are almost 280 stories in the In Black and White show, and they're all available for free in this podcast feed. As we say goodbye after five ears unearthing colourful stories from our past, we would like to sincerely thank our listeners for tuning in and sharing your ratings and reviews. Tune in to the final episode for some final thank yous and a farewell message from the host, Jen Kelly. Like the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. George Melville was a daring highwayman who pulled off one of Australia's biggest heists. But when the law caught up with him, his fate was most gruesome indeed. Damien Beard from Pentridge Prison Tours joins the show with more. Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Love the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. George Melville was a daring highwayman who pulled off one of Australia's biggest heists. But when the law caught up with him, his fate was most gruesome indeed. Damien Beard from Pentridge Prison Tours joins the show with more. Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Love the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

With the Paris Olympics in the books, we tell the tale of Cecil Healy, a champion swimmer who innovated in the pool. But it's for an amazing act of sportsmanship that he should perhaps be best remembered. Military historian Mat McLachlan joins the show for part 2 of a bonus two-part series. Learn more about Mat's work at: https://battlefields.com.au/ Like the show? Go to: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

With the Paris Olympics in the books, we tell the tale of Cecil Healy, a champion swimmer who innovated in the pool. But it's for an amazing act of sportsmanship that he should perhaps be best remembered. Military historian Mat McLachlan joins the show for part 1 of a bonus two-part series. Learn more about Mat's work at: https://battlefields.com.au/ Like the show? Go to: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

To the outside world, Monte Punshon was utterly respectable. But her perfect 19th-century diction disguised her wild past as a bad girl who hung out at edgy Melbourne bars and secret drag parties and was monitored in the lead-up to WWII by security services who suspected her Japanese teacher was a spy. The ANU's Tessa Morris-Suzuki joins the show to talk about the woman dubbed "the world's oldest lesbian" after coming out at the age of 103. Get the book at: https://www.mup.com.au/books/a-secretive-century-paperback-softback Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

Rosaleen Norton was a bohemian artist and occultist who horrified Australian society in the 1950s. There were wild tales of devil worship, satanic rituals, blood sacrifices and sex orgies. But were they true? Author Peter Coleman is here to sort the fact from the fiction for us. Get Peter’s book at: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Peter-Coleman-Australia's-Most-Bizarre-Crimes-9781923046269 Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

Harry Freame was raised in Japan under the ancient bushido code but wound up fighting for Australia. But was this Anzac hero betrayed by his nation? His story is told in a new book called The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli by Ryan Butta. Get Ryan’s book at: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Ryan-Butta-Bravest-Scout-at-Gallipoli-9781922992086 Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

Harry Freame was raised in Japan under the ancient bushido code but wound up fighting for Australia. But was this Anzac hero betrayed by his nation? His story is told in a new book called The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli by Ryan Butta. Get Ryan’s book at: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Ryan-Butta-Bravest-Scout-at-Gallipoli-9781922992086 Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

When Marie Grunke entered a strict convent in Melbourne in the 1960s, she couldn’t tell anyone her shameful pregnancy secret. But Marie’s story would have a surprising ending. Her story is told in a new book called Unconventional Women: The Story of the Last Blessed Sacrament Sisters in Australia, by writer Sarah Gilbert, who joins the show with more. Get Sarah's book at: https://www.mup.com.au/books/unconventional-women-paperback-softback Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

When Marie Grunke entered a strict convent in Melbourne in the 1960s, she couldn’t tell anyone her shameful pregnancy secret. But Marie’s story would have a surprising ending. Her story is told in a new book called Unconventional Women: The Story of the Last Blessed Sacrament Sisters in Australia, by writer Sarah Gilbert, who joins the show with more. Get Sarah's book at: https://www.mup.com.au/books/unconventional-women-paperback-softback Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

He was known as one of the men who told Australians what was happening in the Gallipoli campaign. But at a place named Krithia, Charles Bean risked his life to place himself at the heart of the action. Military historian Mat McLachlan joins the show with more. Get Mat's book at: https://www.hachette.com.au/mat-mclachlan/krithia-the-forgotten-anzac-battle-of-gallipoli Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more.

One of the enduring images of the Rum Rebellion is of Governor William Bligh cowering under his bed as the mob draws near. But it was his daughter Mary who owned the hour - keeping armed rebels at bay using nothing but her parasol. Author and Journalist Sue Williams joins the show with more. Learn more about That Bligh Girl at: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Sue-Williams-That-Bligh-Girl-9781761065880/ Like the show? go to https://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more

When stories of the Kelly Gang are written, it's always their charismatic leader who grabs the spotlight. But Joseph Byrne lived his own very colourful life. Author Georgina Phelan outlines how the young bushranger went from larrikin to outlaw. To order the book, visit https://anoutlawsjournal.wordpress.com/2024/06/27/author-signed-copies-of-joseph-byrne-from-larrikin-to-outlaw/ Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. The last photos ever taken of  Edward Feeney and Charles Marks showed them holding hands and pointing guns at each other. What happened next was a bizarre case that saw one man dead and the other on trial for murder. Historian Michael Adams, host of the Forgotten Australia podcast, joins the show with more.More about Forgotten Australia at: https://forgottenaustralia.com/ Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. The last photos ever taken of  Edward Feeney and Charles Marks showed them holding hands and pointing guns at each other. What happened next was a bizarre case that saw one man dead and the other on trial for murder. Historian Michael Adams, host of the Forgotten Australia podcast, joins the show with more.More about Forgotten Australia at: https://forgottenaustralia.com/ Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more

Jean Lee was sentenced to die by 12 good men and true for the gruesome torture and murder of an SP bookie in Carlton in 1949. But was the last woman executed in Australia just covering for her outlaw lover?  Pentridge Prison Tours guide Damien Beard joins the show with more. Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Jean Lee was sentenced to die by 12 good men and true for the gruesome torture and murder of an SP bookie in Carlton in 1949. But was the last woman executed in Australia just covering for her outlaw lover?  Pentridge Prison Tours guide Damien Beard joins the show with more. Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

During World War I, Letitia Leake may have looked like a proper and patriotic English lady. But her childhood - half a world away - was a saga of alleged murder, infidelity, bigamy and corruption. Professor Carol Grbich, co-author of The Accidental Heiress, joins the show with more. To order the book, visit www.adelaidebooksellers.com.au Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

During World War I, Letitia Leake may have looked like a proper and patriotic English lady. But her childhood - half a world away - was a saga of alleged murder, infidelity, bigamy and corruption. Professor Carol Grbich, co-author of The Accidental Heiress, joins the show with more. To order the book, visit www.adelaidebooksellers.com.au Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Before Ned Kelly, the bushranger that most struck fear into the hearts of lawmen was Dan Morgan. And while he started out as a champion of the downtrodden, Morgan became increasingly unhinged and dangerous, and was once named the most bloodthirsty ruffian that ever took to the bush. Historian Aidan Phelan joins the show with more. More on Phelan's research and books: https://aguidetoaustralianbushranging.com/ Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Before Ned Kelly, the bushranger that most struck fear into the hearts of lawmen was Dan Morgan. And while he started out as a champion of the downtrodden, Morgan became increasingly unhinged and dangerous, and was once named the most bloodthirsty ruffian that ever took to the bush. Historian Aidan Phelan joins the show with more. More on Phelan's research and books: https://aguidetoaustralianbushranging.com/ Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at: heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Running away to join the circus has been the quixotic goal of many the bored teenager. But by the time Mabel Worley took that path, her life was anything but ordinary. Corinne Ball, senior curator at the History Trust of South Australia, joins the show to tell the tale. More about Corinne's book at: https://scholarly.info/book/three-ring-circus/ Like the show? Get features and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Running away to join the circus has been the quixotic goal of many the bored teenager. But by the time Mabel Worley took that path, her life was anything but ordinary. Corinne Ball, senior curator at the History Trust of South Australia, joins the show to tell the tale. More about Corinne's book at: https://scholarly.info/book/three-ring-circus/ Like the show? Get features and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Redmond Barry is best known for sending Ned Kelly to the gallows. But he never would have sat in judgement if it wasn't for some poor judgement of his own. State Library Victoria librarian Andrew McConville joins the show to tell the tale of Barry's torrid love affair at sea, and how it changed the young lawyer's life. Like the show? Read more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. When George Augustus Robinson was employed as the Chief Protector of Tasmania's Aboriginal people, he proclaimed he was there to 'do good' for the indigenous population. Instead, he took from the very people who had already had everything taken from them. Cassandra Pybus joins the show with more. Note: This episode contains graphic descriptions relating to the deaths of indigenous people. Learn more about Pybus's book, A Very Secret Trade: The dark story of gentlemen collectors in Tasmania, at https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/9781761066344

He was dubbed the most unpopular AIF commander of World War I, thanks to a series of bungles and mismanagement. But was James McCay mad, bad, or just another hapless officer caught in the slaughter of the trenches? Military historian Mat McLachlan joins the show to discuss. More on Mat's work at: https://battlefields.com.au/ Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more 

Before TV, social media and the internet, Australians turned to magazines to help define their style.And for 43 years William Shum was one of the titans of print who showed modern Australians how to dress themselves - and the places they lived.Now his granddaughter, author Sue Walker, joins the show to recount his colourful life. More about the book here. Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Len Fuller was just a trainee pilot when his RAAF aircraft collided mid-flight with another plane. But instead of a fiery tragedy, what happened next was front page news. Author and podcaster Michael Adams joins a special  Anzac Day edition to tell the tale.

Len Fuller was just a trainee pilot when his RAAF aircraft collided mid-flight with another plane. But instead of a fiery tragedy, what happened next was front page news. Author and podcaster Michael Adams joins a special  Anzac Day edition to tell the tale.

It seemed like science fiction at the time, but in the late 1800s one scientist and his team ventured forth into the deep Outback to connect Australia to the world. Author Adam Courtenay rejoins the show to tell the extraordinary tale of Charles Todd.  Learn more about the tale in Courtenay's book, Mr Todd's Marvel, at: https://www.woodslanepress.com.au/collections/author-adam-courtenay

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT The prisons of old Victoria were no strangers to the tragic, the macabre and the downright bizarre. But in Geelong, the Hassett clan saw all three. Historian Deb Robinson joins the show to outline the multiple generations who found themselves behind bars. Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. The prisons of old Victoria were no strangers to the tragic, the macabre and the downright bizarre. But in Geelong, the Hassett clan saw all three. Historian Deb Robinson joins the show to outline the multiple generations who found themselves behind bars. Warning: This series contains discussions of self harm. If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Throughout the decades of AFL and VFL history, there have been many coaching greats. But only one could boast a perfect record. AFL historian Col Hutchinson joins the show to introduce us to Charlie Clymo, the man who coached the Cats to the 1931 flag, and then disappeared.

On a special Good Friday edition of the show, we conclude our three-part deep dive into the history of the Royal Children's Hospital and the long-running Good Friday Appeal. Today we talk to Penny Fowler, the granddaughter of Sir Keith and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and the chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, about her family's deep connection with the event, and what's in its future. Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for features and more. Learn more about the Good Friday Appeal and how to donate: https://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/

This week, in the lead-up to the 93rd Good Friday Appeal, we do a three-part deep dive into the history of Melbourne's beloved Royal Children's Hospital and the long-running Good Friday Appeal. Today, we speak again with Melbourne historian Peter Yule, author of an amazing book called The Royal Children's Hospital: A history of faith, science and love, about the origins of one of Victoria's most important institutions. Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for features and more. Learn more about the Good Friday Appeal and how to donate: https://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/

This week, in the lead-up to the 93rd Good Friday Appeal, we do a three-part deep dive into the history of Melbourne's beloved Royal Children's Hospital and the long-running Good Friday Appeal. Today we speak with Melbourne historian Peter Yule, author of an amazing book called The Royal Children's Hospital: A history of faith, science and love, about the origins of one of Victoria's most important institutions. Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for features and more. Learn more about the Good Friday Appeal and how to donate: https://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/

Elijah Upjohn was a sewage worker turned quack doctor who found himself behind bars for chicken thievery. But his life took a sharp turn when a notorious bushranger was convicted - and the state was in need of a hangman. Author and podcaster Michael Adams tells the story. More about Michael's book: https://affirmpress.com.au/publishing/hanging-ned-kelly/More about the Forgotten Australia podcast: https://forgottenaustralia.com/

Thomas Austin owned a great estate and built a grand mansion fit to host royalty. But he will be forever remembered for one of colonial Australia’s biggest bungles: rabbits. Author and comedian Mikey Robins joins the show with more. Learn more about Mikey at: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Idiots-Follies-and-Misadventures/Mikey-Robins/9781761107115 Like the show? Get features, backgrounders and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. This week we tell the story of an Australian PoW in World War 2, who was damned for helping his Japanese captors but hailed for helping send war criminals to the gallows. Author Tom Gilling tells the story. More about Tom’s book at:https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Tom-Gilling-Witness-9781760879273 If you or anyone you know needs help Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

To coincide with the launch of Qtopia Sydney, the world’s largest museum and cultural centre dedicated to queer history and the LGBTQIA+ community, historian Garry Wotherspoon joins us for a fascinating exploration of Australia’s queer history from colonial days to the present. Find out more: https://qtopiasydney.com.au/

In the 1930s, Australians witnessed some of the country’s most infamous - and most luridly nicknamed - murder cases. But the “Vampire Murder”, a horrific sex crime in Newcastle in 1937, has been largely forgotten. Crime historian and Forgotten Australia host Michael Adams joins the show for the first episode of a three-part miniseries. More on Michael's new book The Murder Squad at: https://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917 Like the show? Get background, features and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

In the 1930s, Australians witnessed some of the country’s most infamous - and most luridly nicknamed - murder cases. But the “Vampire Murder”, a horrific sex crime in Newcastle in 1937, has been largely forgotten. Crime historian and Forgotten Australia host Michael Adams joins the show for the first episode of a three-part miniseries. More on Michael's new book The Murder Squad at: https://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917 Like the show? Get background, features and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

In the 1930s, Australians witnessed some of the country’s most infamous - and most luridly nicknamed - murder cases. But the “Vampire Murder”, a horrific sex crime in Newcastle in 1937, has been largely forgotten. Crime historian and Forgotten Australia host Michael Adams joins the show for the first episode of a three-part miniseries. More on Michael's new book The Murder Squad at: https://affirmpress.com.au/author/61917 Like the show? Get background, features and more at heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

As the Nazi war machine marched toward the Baltic, diplomat Chiune Sugihara disobeyed orders and risked his life to save 6000 Jews. Australian author Linda Margolin Royal tells the tale - and her own connection to that remarkable Japanese hero.

While he's largely forgotten now, Daniel Mannix was a titanic name of the first half of the last century. The Catholic bishop of Melbourne wielded power at the pulpit and the ballot box. And he was never shy of expressing an opinion on controversial issues, from conscription to communism, to independence for the land of his birth. Andrew McConville from the State Library joins the show with more. Like this episode? Get features, backgrounders, and more at http://heraldsun.com.au/ibaw

Today we tell three tales of people who made Australia just that little bit more colourful.

In this episode, we bring together the ripping yarns of some of the nation's greatest liars and frauds.

This week we tell stories of the people who, by choice or circumstance, found themselves lurking through Australia's underbelly. If you or anyone you know needs help Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800